Italian wellness architecture firm Studio Apostoli is on board to renovate the Terme di Grado wellness facility in the Italian spa town of Grado.

Located on an island in the North-East of Italy, Grado has a historic reputation as a bathing hotspot thanks to its marine thermal springs which, up until the 19th century, were frequented by Austrian aristocracy. The island is also renowned for psammotherapy spa treatments using sand warmed directly by the sun.

Originally built in the 1970s, Terme di Grado is being extended, restructured and modernised by a team of design studios – including Studio Apostoli – which is being led by Archest.

The overhaul is projected to cost nearly €25.4m (US$27.8m, £21.4m) and be completed in three years' time.

Once complete, the facility will be home to a spa, experiential wellness space, beauty area, salon and fitness hub.

Studio Apostoli has recently begun construction to realise the first-floor wellness area within a glazed volume gazing across a rooftop terrace.

The studio is creating eight treatment rooms where guests will be able to opt for a range of spa rituals inspired by the location. To differentiate the offering, one treatment room will be kitted out with a Turkish bath while two other suites will serve as couples’ cabins.

The spa journey will be topped off with an outdoor green terrace which, during the summer, will become a space for outdoor spa treatments.

Experiential wellness space

The majority of Studio Apostoli's efforts are being dedicated to a brand new thermal experience area inspired by and divided into the four natural elements.

The first section will be dedicated to water and encompass a suite for halotherapy and iodine inhalation.

The journey will then lead guests to a circular glazed atrium containing both a hammam and a path leading from a tepidarium to a Roman caldarium. An experience shower will complete the space.

The next portion will comprise an open relaxation space inspired by air, equipped with chaise longues and characterised by discrete partitions and ceiling veils.

Fire will inspire the third area which will be home to a central atrium featuring a selection of glass showers. The space will extend out onto three types of saunas – salt, herbal and Finnish – which, through a central passage, will lead the guest to the outdoor terrace.

Here, they will find a large glass-encased sauna surrounded by cold tubs at different temperatures as well as a Japanese Ashiyu footbath, Kneipp path and a large cold pool.

The last area, dedicated to the earth element, will house an indoor relaxation area with a herbal tea room, compartmentalised by windows and an external relaxation area characterised by a cobblestone pavement.

Once complete, the facility will cover more than 32,000sq m, including both indoor and outdoor areas.

Other design studios involved in the project include Dejaco + Partner, Von Lutz, Thermostudio, Deerns and Geomok.